Tag Archives: Packing

My carry-on bag for those long cross-Atlantic flights has been perfected! I currently don’t work many international flights (due to my base & seniority mostly), but I do fly a lot of red-eyes and try to take as many weekend trips to Europe that I can fit in. Now with more of a routine in place, it makes those 8+ hours feel less intimidating.

Here is how I prepared for a red-eye or flight across the Atlantic, to say Brussels :).

Step One::: Before I head to the airport, I shower and put my hair in a braid (using Essential #5, an EMI-JAY hair tie).

Step Two::: Confirm I have my passport, and that all the essentials above are in my carry-on! I also try to pack an empty water bottle to fill at the airport.

Step 3::: Once onboard and settled, I usually like to watch one movie and then after sleep for the next 4 or 5 hours. Ask for a cup of hot water and add the Zarbee’s Night Time Drink (Essential #1). It will not only protect your throat but ease you into a nice peaceful sleep.

[ I usually struggle to get to sleep and then if I do sleep, wake with a dry and sore throat. In a perfect world, I would not sleep with my mouth open…bahaha. Luckily, I finally found something that solves my problem >>ZARBEE’S!! They also have vitamin-filled or immune support supplements! AND with great ingredients!]

Step 4::: I find it necessary to have a sleep mask (Essential #2, accompanied by eye drops). If you are near a galley or bathroom there will always be a light on, and the mask solves that dilemma.

Step 5::: Flights arrive into Europe in the morning, so I like to hit the ground running, no time to waste! Once I wake up, I go into the restroom and take out my braid, finger comb and fluff (maybe even apply some dry-shampoo, it can be hard to find in travel size). My hair was contained in the braid for my sleep and now can be let down with a nice wave.

Step 7::: And then of course brush my teeth and use some mouthwash (Essentials #7), that always helps with waking up too. After, apply some Burt’s Bees lip balm (Essential #3, the only chapstick that I use).

I have tried implementing the following things to compensate for those faults:

1::: Bring an extra dress, top or layer (that can easily be rolled up or not take too much space in your carry-on).

2:::Make sure you have some classic basics before you start with the outfits that you are unsure of. Or just don’t pack the “iffy” ones at all.

3:::Bring a pair of dressier sandals/heels and comfy sandals. Even while traveling, I know I will want to exercise, but maybe set the running shoes aside to save space and opt for a beach yoga workout, SUP, or kayaking for the weekend’s activity….something you don’t need shoes! ~also running on the beach barefoot is a serious workout~

::A lot of times I might pack my running shoes but wear my dressier sandals for the flight to conserve space.::: (Like in the picture below I might also wear the floppy hat and carry the market tote bag as my second item I’m allowed to carry-on. This just might mean you have more space in your carry-on for things to bring back from your vacation, not to just pack more unnecessary things.)

With the items below (3 tops, 2 bottoms, 2 dresses and 2 shoes), you could have at least 8 outfits!

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“Do not stop thinking of life as an adventure. You have no security unless you can live bravely, excitingly, imaginatively; unless you can choose a challenge instead of competence.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

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